’12 Years a Slave’ to be Added to Public High School Curriculums [Photos]

Vixen

Cinema is just one art form that can be used to not only entertain, but to educate, so we’re especially excited to learn that public high schools will be adding 12 Years a Slave to the curriculum later this year. Talk show host Montel Williams coordinated this initiative, saying in a press conference statement, “When Hollywood is at its best, the power of the movies can be harnessed into a powerful educational tool.”

The National School Boards Association has solidified its partnership with Penguin Books, New Regency and director Steve McQueen this week. McQueen states, “Since first reading ’12 Years a Slave,’ it has been my dream that this book be taught in schools. I am immensely grateful to Montel Williams and the National School Boards Association for making this dream a reality and for sharing Solomon Northup’s story with today’s generation.” The distribution of the book is set to start September 2014.

Click ahead to see a couple other movies that should be added the curriculum.